Donald Trump’s Speech in Saudi Arabia Is a Stark Departure From Everything He Previously Said

On Sunday in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Donald Trump delivered a speech sending a message of unity, and calling for the leaders of the Middle East to drive Islamic extremist terrorists out of their countries. “This is not a battle between different faiths, different sects, or different civilizations,” he said. “This is a battle between barbaric criminals who seek to obliterate human life, and decent people of all religions who seek to protect it.”

After referring to terrorists as “the foot soldiers of evil,” Trump continued, “If we do not stand in uniform condemnation of this killing, then we not only will be judged by our people, not only will be judged by history, but we will be judged by God.”

His message, delivered to leaders of more than fifty Muslim countries from the birthplace of Islam, was a complete turnabout from his decidedly anti-Islam message during his campaign. “America is a sovereign nation and our first priority is always the safety and security of our citizens,” he continued. “We are not here to lecture—we are not here to tell other people how to live, what to do, who to be, or how to worship. Instead, we are here to offer partnership—based on shared interests and values—to pursue a better future for us all.”

Trump contextualized the war against terrorism in a stark, black-and-white contrast, calling it, “a battle between good and evil.”

“Barbarism will deliver you no glory — piety to evil will bring you no dignity,” he said. “If you choose the path of terror, your life will be empty, your life will be brief, and your soul will be condemned.”